The Talking SticksDefinition of Talking Sticks: What are Talking Sticks? Talking Sticks has been used for centuries by many Native American tribes as a means of an orderly, just and impartial hearing. Talking Sticks were most commonly used at major events such as tribal council meetings and Pow-Wow gatherings and important ceremonies but their use was also extended to storytelling circles and teaching children. Talking Sticks allow people to present and express their Sacred Point of View.

Description of Talking SticksThe people responsible for holding any type council meetings were required to make a Talking Stick specifically for the event. Talking sticks were therefore made from carefully selected materials that had a special meaning and significance to the maker. The size of Talking sticks was usually taken from the measurement between the elbow to the tips of the fingers. Talking Sticks were usually long, narrow, brightly colored and adorned with furs and or feathers.

Symbolism associated with Talking SticksTalking Sticks are decorated with paint, carvings and occasionally wrapped in buckskin or other leather materials. The ornamentation, colors and painted decorations on talking sticks had special meanings, as did the wood they were made from and any fur or feathers that were used. The symbolism associated with the fur, skins, feathers or symbols of animals used in the decoration of talking sticks were also highly significant due to the belief that they brought the attributes, characteristics and medicine of the creatures to the event.

Talking Sticks Symbolism - ColorsThe symbolism associated with the colors used to paint and decorate Talking Sticks was fundamental to the success of the event bring specific medicine to the proceedings. The colors were carefully chosen and the following chart provides details of the symbolism of the colors used to decorate and paint talking sticks.

Blue: Intuition, Prayer, Wisdom

Black: Clarity, focus, success and victory

Red: Life, Faith and Happiness

White: Sharing, Purity, Spirit and Light

Yellow: Knowledge and courage

Orange: Kinship, Intellect and Determination

Green: Nature, Harmony and Healing

Purple: Power, mystery and magic

Talking Sticks Symbolism - AnimalsThe symbolism associated with the skins, strands of hair or fur and the feathers used to embellish Talking Sticks were also significant. The animals were carefully chosen reflect as they are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. The following chart provides details of the symbolism of some of the animals used to adorn talking sticks and the characteristics and attributes it might give to the event.

Bear: Courage, physical strength and leadership

Beaver: Determination and strong-will

BuffaloStrength, abundance and gratitude

Deer: Gentleness, grace and survival

Fox: Anticipation, observation and stealth

Horse: Mobility, stamina, strength and power

Raccoon: Curiosity, adaptability and resourcefulness

Porcupine: Innocence, companionship, and trust

Prairie Dog: Swiftness and preparedness

Squirrel: Planning and home life

Wolf: Direction and leadership

Talking Sticks Symbolism - FeathersThe type of feathers attached to Talking Sticks also hold significance and symbolism. An Eagle Feather represents truth and high ideals, the turkey feather is used to bring peaceful attitudes especially in disputes. The owl feather is deemed to be powerful and prevents deception from entering the Sacred Space of the Council.

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Types of Trees and woodThe symbolism associated with the types of wood used to make Talking Sticks was also important. The wood was carefully chosen for its qualities, attributes, strength and spirituality and taken from a tree that had special meaning to the person. Permission was sought from the tree spirit to make the talking stick. The following chart provides details of the symbolism of the trees used to make talking sticks.

Birch: Truth, new beginnings and cleansing of the past

Cedar: Cleansing, protection, prosperity & healing

Willow: Wisdom, an open mind, strength of age and experience.

Walnut:Clarity and focus, beginning new projects

Oak: Strength of character and courage

Cherry: Strong expression, rebirth, new awakenings and compassion

Pine: Creativity, peace and harmony

Ash: Peace of mind, sacrifice, sensitivity and higher awareness

Maple: The tree of offering, generosity, balance and practicality

Arbutus: Knowledge

White Pine: Serenity

Sycamore: Ambition

Aspen: Clarity of purpose, determination and overcoming doubts

Elm: Wisdom, strength of will and intuition

Beech: Tolerance, past knowledge and softens criticism

Talking SticksThere were rules and codes of conduct which surrounded the use of Talking Sticks which made them incredibly useful. Talking sticks provided the way to hold an orderly, just and impartial meeting - even with enemies. Talking sticks were commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. The rules and protocol followed when using Talking Sticks are as follows:

The elder speaks first

No-one is allowed to interrupt and everyone must listen to what is being said

When the elder has finished speaking the Talking Stick is handed to the next person in the circle

If the receiver chooses not to speak the Talking Stick is passed to the next person in the circle

The stick is passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so

The talking stick is then passed back to the leading elder for safe keeping

The use of talking sticks allows everyone to express their sacred point of view.